by Michael Winter, USA TODAY

by Michael Winter, USA TODAY

Snuffing out a move to allow e-cigarettes in bars, Los Angeles lawmakers on Tuesday extended the city's strict smoking restrictions to the electronic tobacco substitute.

As with conventional smokes, e-cigarettes will be banned in bars, restaurants, parks and any other location where tobacco is prohibited. But the battery-powered nicotine devices will be allowed in so-called vaping lounges, where customers can ignite up among friends.

The ordinance passed the City Council unanimously and now awaits the signature of Mayor Eric Garcetti, who supports it. The regulations will take effect 30 days later.

"I believe this ordinance goes too far in restricting individual liberties. We should allow bar and restaurant owners to decide whether or not to allow this in their establishment," he said.

The council voted down his amendment.

Arguing that e-cigarettes should be treated like their counterparts, Public Health Director Jonathan Fielding said there's a danger that youths would first get hooked on the flavorful, electronically delivered nicotine and then move on to the addiction of tobacco.